Proposals for a governance design framework for mission-driven start-ups

Propositions d’un design de la gouvernance de la start-up à mission

Numa Cavagna () and Éric Stéphany ()
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Numa Cavagna: MRM - Montpellier Research in Management - UM1 - Université Montpellier 1 - UPVM - Université Paul-Valéry - Montpellier 3 - UM2 - Université Montpellier 2 - Sciences et Techniques - UPVD - Université de Perpignan Via Domitia - Groupe Sup de Co Montpellier (GSCM) - Montpellier Business School, UM - Université de Montpellier, MRM-FIN - Montpellier Research in Management - Finance - MRM - Montpellier Research in Management - UPVD - Université de Perpignan Via Domitia - UM - Université de Montpellier
Éric Stéphany: UM2 - Université Montpellier 2 - Sciences et Techniques

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Abstract: Our research article offers an analysis of the governance design of mission-native start-ups, which embed a socio-environmental purpose into their statutes from inception. Drawing on an in-depth case study, it highlights a hybrid configuration combining cognitive levers (strategic support, stakeholder alignment) and disciplinary mechanisms (impact reports, external audits). Three propositions are developed: (1) from the seed-capital stage onward, the purpose exerts pressure on the firm by prompting the creation of monitoring bodies and follow-up mechanisms, thereby reinforcing its disciplinary dimension; (2) the mission acts as a governance mechanism by structuring socio-environmental objectives and guiding decision-making; (3) the publication of annual reports—based on specific indicators and validated by the Third-Party Mission Auditor (OTI)—strengthens both disciplinary and cognitive oversight. A fine-grained analysis of these governance mechanisms reveals their functional interdependence, supporting the structuring of a formalized cognitive governance suited to the demands of impact-oriented entrepreneurship.

Keywords: raison d’être; entrepreneuriat à impact; mécanismes disciplinaires; gouvernance cognitive; gouvernance des start-ups à mission (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-10-13
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Published in Forum Innovation 2025, Réseau de Recherche sur l’Innovation (RRI), Oct 2025, Paris, France. pp.87, ⟨10.3917/inno.hs1.2025.0087⟩

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05367817

DOI: 10.3917/inno.hs1.2025.0087

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